Truly an excellent experience. From the time you enter Catoctin Creek to the time you walk out of the building you are immersed in prohibition era distilling culture and educated by passionate staff members and owners. This is a stop that cannot be missed!
‘Showroom’ window wall
Founded by Scott and Becky Harris in 2009, the original facility sat next to an auto repair shop in an industrial complex. In 2012 the historic and somewhat dilapidated Case Building in downtown Purcellville became available. Finally after much renovation of the historic 1921 building and more than a few surprises and hiccups along the way, Catoctin Creek was reopened in 2014. The facility now includes greatly expanded distilling facilities and an excellent tasting room space large enough to accommodate intimate concerts and events. Much effort was made to retain the beauty of the exposed brick walls, and the original windows separating the tasting room from the distilling warehouse. This creates a division of space while still maintaining a sense of connectedness with the process.
Getting There
Getting there is fairly easy, Catoctin Creek is nicely situated in historic downtown Purcellville an hour from DC. Coming from Route 7, exit at Purcellville (Berlin Turnpike) and turn South at the light. Drive approximately 1 mile to the circle and bear right onto Business Rte 7 (Main St). Continue on for 1.2 miles into downtown Purcellville, Catoctin will be the brick building at the intersection of Main and 21st street.
Catoctin Creek Distilling - Photo Credit: Scott Harris
Catoctin offers tours throughout the day and we would strongly suggest that you take one. during the tour you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the history of distilling, the process involved in creating Kosher and Organic zero-waste product, and the evolution of the bottling process and distribution. Additionally you’ll learn about the history of the Case Building including the addition of solar panels to power the facility and some other surprise tidbits.
Catoctin Creek Distilling Room
Now on to the product! After your tour (or before if you wish) you’ll have the opportunity for a tasting, we recommend that you try a few pours before making a decision about which bottle(s) you’ll be buying. The peach brandy was the unexpected surprise at our tasting, the description “peach cobbler in a glass” is accurate!
Currently the lineup looks like this, please see CatoctinCreekDistilling.com for a more up-to-date list.
Catoctin Creek Organic Roundstone Rye®
Our lovely 100% rye spirit is aged it in new Minnesota white oak casks for a period of just under two years, yielding a very special rye whisky! The hardest of all whiskeys to produce, rye whisky is an old time favorite that is new once again. It has a delicious woody taste, with notes of caramel, rich butter toffee, and just a hint of lemon in the nose.
Catoctin Creek Organic Roundstone Rye® - 92 Proof
This whisky is the culmination of several years of planning. “For a few years now, we’ve been putting whisky away for storage,” remarked Becky Harris, Chief Distiller and President of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. “We pulled some of the more interesting barrels from the back of the barn and decided to release these at a higher proof: a whisky specially curated for flavor, while still being remarkably smooth, as is our existing 80 proof Roundstone.”
Catoctin Creek Organic Watershed Gin®
A BREWdoun favorite! Distilled from organic rye grain, with a secret recipe of organic herbs and spices, Catoctin Creek Organic Watershed Gin® is unlike any gin you’ve tried. Amazingly complex, with a rye base that shines through subtle citrus and cinnamon notes, essences of fresh cut hay, and of course a crisp juniper character. Together, they make Watershed Gin a fine cocktail mixer.
Catoctin Creek Organic Roundstone Rye® - Cask Proof
The cask proof version of our ever-popular Roundstone Rye is a very special expression. Released at 58% ABV, this is seriously strong whisky! Delicious, dark, complex and ridiculously smooth for the proof, Roundstone Rye Cask Proof is released only about twice per year.
Catoctin Creek Organic Mosby’s Spirit®
Catoctin Creek Organic Mosby’s Spirit® recalls the tradition of clear grain spirits common in the 19th century. This spirit hearkens back to the fierce independence that forged our nation despite the conflict that almost destroyed it.
Catoctin Creek 1757® Virginia Brandy
Catoctin Creek 1757® Virginia Brandy is Virginia’s first commercial grape brandy since the establishment of the Commonwealth. Made from the finest locally-grown Virginia wine grapes, it is distilled and aged in premium French Bordeaux oak barrels for at least two years.
Catoctin Creek Pearousia®
Pearousia® is a very special collaboration between Fabbioli Cellars and Catoctin Creek. Doug Fabbioli, owner and vintner at Fabbioli Cellars, produced a lovely pear wine, and we distilled it into brandy. After being casked in oak for a time, this pear brandy has emerged as a truly lovely and unique offering, and our first fruit spirit.
Catoctin Creek Short Hill Mountain® Peach Brandy
OK so we lied, this is a BREWdoun favorite as well! Catoctin Creek Short Hill Mountain Peach Brandy is made from local western Loudoun peaches, distilled, aged and bottled at the peak of perfection. Think “peach cobbler” in a glass.
In Summary
Catoctin is leading the charge for distilleries in Virginia and has established themselves as a strong niche player with Kosher and Organic certified products. Squarely situated in the heart of Western Loudoun brewery country, its easy to work Catoctin Creek into your tour schedule!
